Durrani expects LG polls in March or April next year

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Government, Agha Siraj Durrani hinted that elections of the local bodies would be held in March or April, 2011.

He said this while talking to media persons at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Wednesday.

Durani said that new local government act has been drafted and sent to the ruling coalition parties. “When all ruling partners agree on the draft bill, it would be tabled in the Sindh Assembly for enactment,” he added.

Floods in the country had hindered the preparatory work for local bodies’ elections, but now the work would be carried out on priority basis, he informed.

Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB) needs overhauling, as its machinery has become obsolete, he said, adding Sindh government is initiating new schemes for catering the needs of water in Karachi.

“I have been instructed by the president for providing clean drinking water in the city. In this regard, desalination plants would also be established,” he added.

Hailing the role of electronic and print media during recent floods, Durrani said that it was a massive disaster. Media played a positive role in urging people to help the flood survivors, he lauded.

About complaints regarding issuance of Watan Cards, he said that the government has taken stern action and asked the officials concerned to ensure transparency in the process.

Durrani said that all problems of journalists would be solved on priority basis. The files of plots allotted to journalists would be disposed of soon. Funds would be extended for repair and renovation of KPC’s building, he said, announcing a grant of Rs 200,000 for KPC.

He said that nobody would be allowed to grab the land of another, adding Sindh government has taken stern action against the land grabbers.
Source: Daily Times
Date:10/28/2010